Goal: Protect exotic birds from cruel practices used by bird merchants and trappers in India.

The Republic of India has failed to regulate the domestic selling of captive-bred exotic birds, which has exposed birds to cruel and sometimes lethal practices. It is illegal to catch and sell birds in India, but many trappers are passing off trapped birds as captive-bred birds. The trappers often use dangerous methods to trap birds. Some trappers apply glue to the branches of trees, which can lead to leg or wing injuries. Others use nets that can seriously wound frantically struggling birds.

Many of these trapped birds suffer a horrible fate. During the Diwali festival, owls are sold to be sacrificed. Owl parts are purchased to be used in black magic. The forest owlet, a critically endangered species, is sold for these purposes.

Many trappers also disguise the birds using dangerous chemical dyes, so that they appear to be rare breeds or colors. The dyeing process can sicken, blind, and kill the birds. Later on, when the color fades, the birds are again faced with danger. The new owners, learning that they have been duped, may mistreat or neglect unwanted pets.

Help end the cruel practice of trapping, selling and dyeing exotic birds. Sign the petition below to encourage the Republic of India and the President of India to implement strict regulations on the domestic sale of captive-bred exotic birds.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Mukherjee,

The domestic sale of captive-bred exotic birds must be strictly regulated. The lack of regulation in this industry has created an easy way for illegal bird trappers to mask their activities. This threatens endangered bird species, like the forest owlet, which has been sold in Indian markets. In order to pass birds off as more expensive breeds, merchants expose their birds to cruel practices. One of these inhumane practices is dyeing, which can sicken, blind or kill birds. These exotic birds are being snatched away from their natural habitat for profit. Placing firm restrictions on the domestic sale for captive-bred exotic birds will not completely eradicate these practices, but it will help to significantly curb these activities and preserve threatened bird species.

I am encouraging you to spare exotic bird species the cruelty that they face in the domestic captive-bred exotic bird industry. Through your intervention, the illegal activities of trappers and the deceptive practices of merchants can be significantly reduced. Please take action to implement stricter regulations on the domestic sale of captive-bred exotic birds.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Lynn Greyling

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